About Chiropractic
What is it…and Why?
Chiropractic care works best when it focuses on treating conditions of the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints of the body. These areas of the body, when injured, may affect the nervous system and cause numbness or weakness to various areas of the body. These systems are considered the Neuromusculoskeletal system, and chiropractors are specialists that treat injuries and certain conditions that affect this system. A chiropractor’s goal is not to cover the pain but to find its source and treat it naturally by restoring the body’s structure into proper position and condition, thus, enhancing the body’s natural healing powers. Chiropractic is not hocus pocus or mystical. Doctors of chiropractic carefully and thoughtfully diagnose conditions of the neuromusculoskeletal system that may range from a disc injury to a strained muscle, a misaligned vertebrae/joint or a muscle weakness or imbalance. These treatments attempt to regain ideal function and reduce pain and weakness by manipulation of the spine (if appropriate), working with the soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, discs, and tendons) with stretching and myofascial release (a type of tissue massage), and finally strengthening and stabilizing. Many chiropractors attempt to educate their patients on positive lifestyle choices to help prevent the problems in the future. Prevention can be accomplished with home exercises, weight loss, and supplemental dietary advice. For patients with chronic conditions or those involved with athletics, regular ongoing maintenance care may be appropriate. Maintenance care is a concept that is similar to your six month teeth cleaning from the dentist. I think we have all heard the old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Professional athletes like Tiger Woods, Barry Bonds, and Joe Montana all swear by chiropractic care. Nearly every professional sports team offers chiropractic care to their team’s athletes.
Is it safe? Chiropractic treatments are incredibly safe—actually, they’re one of the safest health care choices available today. As in any treatment there are risks, but your doctor of chiropractor is trained extensively to recognize when treatment is appropriate and safe. A short conversation with you chiropractor at the time of your exam with surely alleviate any concerns you may have in regard to your treatment. Remember, only a trained professional may manipulate the spine. Most serious injuries in the medical literature occurred when manipulation was performed by persons who were not doctors and/or trained in the proper evaluation and treatment procedures.
What problems can it address?
Chiropractic treatment works best on conditions of the neuromusculoskeletal system. These conditions include but are not limited to, back pain, neck and shoulder pain, disc injuries, numbness, shooting leg pain (sciatica), and headaches. Chiropractors with the proper training, procedures, and technology also can effectively treat carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff syndromes, impingement syndromes of the shoulder, sprains and strains, knee and ankle pain, and finally be a team member in the treatment of fibromyalgia. This is just a sampling of the many conditions benefiting from the care of accredited doctors of chiropractic all around the world.
